Inside The Mind's Eye: Using Photography To Capture Mental Illness

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Ask any serious photographer why they do what they do and you will always get the same answer: I am telling a story. Photography as a hobby has grown in popularity over the last few years; yet many people tend to forget – amidst all the available software and filters – that the quintessential goal of taking pictures is capturing memories. In a single shot, a photographer is able to freeze time. This is most especially seen among photos that depict sensitive issues.

The medical community is pushing for more acceptance and education regarding mental illness. There are quite a number of surveys that estimate the amount of sufferers there are. But even then, these analysts estimate the number to be far more than assumed. This is because many people refuse to visit their doctor for help or do not even understand their own condition. Mental illness also carries with it a huge social stigma causing more people to not seek help or suffer in shame or silence.

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Photography is being seen as an effective communication bridge. A picture is worth a thousand words, so they say, and delivering a message of acceptance is crucial in today’s society. Many photographers are looking for an interesting and engaging subject to capture. They have noted with surprise that many mental health patients are willing to talk about their experience, whether through words or pictures. The importance is dealing with the issue with gentility and sensitivity.

Collaboration should be done with the similar goal of projecting what patients go through while still keeping the person’s integrity alive.

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